ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION NEEDS IN AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN & PACIFIC (ACP) STATES FOR CTA S PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. Phase II: Caribbean

Transcription

1 ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION NEEDS IN AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN & PACIFIC (ACP) STATES FOR CTA S PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Phase II: Caribbean Country Study: Belize Final Report Prepared by: Citrus Growers Association Stephen Williams Travis Marcotte Bridget Cullerton on behalf of the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) Project: / a 04 / 11 / 2005

2 Disclaimer This report has been commissioned by the CTA to enhance its monitoring of information needs in ACP countries. CTA does not guarantee the accuracy of data included in this report, nor does it accept responsibility for any use made thereof. The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of CTA. CTA reserves the right to select projects and recommendations that fall within its mandate.

3 ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION NEEDS IN AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN & PACIFIC (ACP) STATES FOR CTA S PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Phase II: Caribbean Country Study: Belize Final Report Prepared by: Citrus Growers Association Stephen Williams Travis Marcotte Bridget Cullerton on behalf of the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) Project: / a 04 / 11 / 2005

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5 List of Acronyms ACP African, Caribbean and Pacific BAHA Belize Agricultural Health Authority BEST Belize Enterprise for Sustainable Development BFCA Belize Fishermen s Cooperative Association BGA Banana Growers Association BSI Belize Sugar Industries CABI Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau International CARD Community Initiated Agriculture and Rural Development Project CARDI Caribbean Agriculture Research & Development Institute CARIBCAN Canadian Programs for Commonwealth Caribbean Trade, Investment and Industrial Cooperation CARICOM Caribbean Community CARIFORUM Forum of the Caribbean ACP States CARIRI Caribbean Industrial Research Institute CARTF CARIFORUM Agribusiness Research and Training Fund CATIE Tropical Agricultural Research & Higher Education Centre CBI Caribbean Basin Initiative CBO Community Based Organization CCAB-AP Central American Council on Forests and Protected Areas CCAD Central American Commission for Environment and Development CDB Caribbean Development Bank CET Common External Tariff CGA Citrus Growers Association CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna CORECA El Consejo Regional de Cooperación Agrícola CPBL Citrus Products of Belize Limited CREC Citrus Research & Education Centre CREI Citrus Research & Education Institute CSO Central Statistics Office CTA Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation CZMA Coastal Zone Management Authority DFC Development Finance Corporation EIB European Investment Bank EU European Union FAO Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations GDP Gross Domestic Product GEF Global Environmental Fund GoB Government of Belize GSP Generalized System of Preferences HACCP hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point ICM Information and Communication Management ICT Information and Communication Technology IDB Interamerican Development Bank IICA Inter-American Institute for Co-operation in Agriculture IPM Integrated Pest Management IPPC International Plant Protection Convention IUCN World Conservation Union MAF Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries MBC Mesoamerican Biological Corridor MBRS Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System i

6 MDC NAFTA NAPPO NDFB NGO OIRSA PACT PREFIP PREPAC QR ROC SICTA UNDP VIFINEX WTO Most Developed Countries North American Free Trade Agreement North American Plant Protection Organization National Development Foundation of Belize Non-Government Organization International Regional Organization for Plant and Animal Health Protected Areas Conservation Trust Surveillance System for Classical Swine Fever Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Regional Plan Quota Ratio Republic of China (Taiwan) Technical Mission to Belize Integrated System of Science and Technology of Central America United Nations Development Programme [Pest] Surveillance System for Non-traditional Export Commodities World Trade Organization Exchange Rates: Bz$ to 1.00 (17th October 2005) US$ to 1.00 (Rate declared by CTA for use in this report) The Bz$ is pegged to the US$ at Bz$2.00 to US$1.00. ii

7 List of Tables, Figures and Box Table 2.3. Main sources of information for institutions interviewed 9 Table 3.0. Needs identified by institutions in terms of information, and capacity 11 building required to better manage information Table The extent of key CTA identified information and communication 19 management problems in Belize Table Potential partners for CTA and their capacity to meet CTA s partner criteria 26 Table 4.2. Capacity building and information needs identified in Belize and corresponding 28 recommendations Table II Working population in agricultural employment; 1991 and 2000 Census 40 Table II Total number of households involved in agricultural activity; 2002 by district 40 Table II Total number of holdings by age group; Table II Land use categories and area; 1989/92 41 Table II Size of agricultural land use by district; Table II Shrimp farm number and acreage; Table II Forest classes, area and percentage for mainland Belize; Table II Production of select agricultural commodities; Table II Overview of major agricultural systems 44 Table II Structure of GDP ; % of current GDP 46 Table II Traditional commodity production and value; 2002 and Table II Non-traditional commodity production and value; 2002 and Table II Livestock production and value; 2002 and Table II Artisanal fishery production; Table II High seas production; Table II Timber production by major types; , cubic feet 51 Table II Overview of export markets; 1990 and 2001/02 52 Table II Breakdown of main export markets ( 000 BZ$); Table II Summary of agricultural trade preferences; by major commodity 55 Table II Country and district population; 1980, 1991 and Table II Population by age group; 1991 and Table II Literacy rates by district; 1991 & Table II Literacy rates by gender and age; 1991 & Table II Fluency in English and Spanish; Table II Households reporting electricity, radio, television, telephone and computer; Table II Total population and percent change; 1980, 1991 and 2000 by major divisions 68 Table Newspapers, periodicals and broadcast media 69 Table III.2.1 Key institutions in the agricultural sector in Belize 88 Table III.2.2. Detailed profile of key institutions where representatives interviewed 90 Figure 4.2. Agricultural information needs, and required training and capacity building 29 needs for Belize summarized. Figure II.1 Map of Belize 39 Box II Summary of Belize agricultural trade agreements 54 ANNEX III.1 List of institutions in the Belize agricultural sector 75 ANNEX V. List of persons interviewed 107 iii

8 Key to Type and Role of Institution (Abbreviations used in Annex III) Type: AS-F Farmers association (includes co-operatives) AS-W Women s association AS-Y Youth association BNK Bank or credit institution CCI Chamber of commerce and industry CHU Church-base group EDU Educational institution GOV Government department / ministry NGO Non-government organization PRV Private enterprise, company REG Regional organization, project or network STA Statutory body STE State enterprise OTH Other Role: EX Extension and outreach IN Information services FS Financial services PP Policy and planning PS-E Private sector Exporter (fresh, frozen and dried produce) PS-M Private sector Manufacturer (e.g. tannery, bottler, refiner, roaster) PS-P Private sector - Producer (e.g. commercial farm, fishing company) PS-S Private sector Supplier (e.g. agri. chemicals, equipment, seeds) RD Research and development RG Regulation (compliance, standards) TR Training (at secondary, tertiary and vocational level) TM Trade and marketing (including market development) RU Rural development OT Other iv

9 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page List of Acronyms List of Tables, Boxes and Figures Key to Type and Role of Institution Executive summary i iii iv vii 1. Introduction 1 2. COUNTRY PROFILE Country Overview Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Agriculture Fisheries Forestry Information and Communication Management Capacity Agricultural Libraries Publishing Capacity Data Collection and Management Extension Services Agricultural Information Services Where People Go for Information 8 3. NEEDS ANALYSIS Information Needs Capacity Building Needs CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Conclusions Extent of Key Problems in the Field Information Needs Capacity Building Needs Potential Beneficiaries and Partners Recommendations Capacity Building Needs Information Needs Potential Partner Institutions and Beneficiaries 31 ANNEXES 33 ANNEX I. TERMS OF REFERENCE 34 ANNEX II. COUNTRY PROFILE BELIZE 38 II.1 General Agricultural Profile 38 II.1.1 Size of Agricultural Population (Male / Female / Youth) 40 II.1.2 Farmed Land, Forests, Fishing Areas 41 II.1.3 Agricultural Systems 43 II.1.4 Agriculture in the Economy 46 v

10 II.1.5 Main Agricultural Produce and Secondary Products 47 II.1.6 Main Export Markets 52 II.1.7 Trade Agreements that Include Agriculture 54 II.1.8 Sectoral Policy Related to Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests 56 II.2 Socio-Economic Profile 62 II.2.1 Demographics 62 II.2.2 Literacy Level and Languages 64 II.2.3 Access to Services 67 II.2.4 Rural Urban Drift 67 II.3 Media and Telecommunications 68 II.3.1 Newspapers, Periodicals, and Broadcast Media 68 II.3.2 Telecommunication Services 72 II.3.3 Computers and Internet 73 ANNEX III. PROFILE OF INSTITUTIONS 74 Annex III.1 List of Institutions in the Belize Agricultural Sector 74 Annex III.2. Select List of Key Institutions in the Belize Agricultural Sector 87 ANNEX IV. DATA CAPTURE FORM USED FOR INTERVIEWS 104 ANNEX V. PERSONS / INSTITUTIONS INTERVIEWED 108 ANNEX VI. REFERENCES 109 vi

11 Executive summary Introduction The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) works primarily through intermediary organizations and partners (non-governmental organizations, farmers organizations, regional organizations) to promote agricultural and rural development in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States. The identification of appropriate partners and beneficiaries for CTA s programmes and services in Belize and an analysis of their information and capacity building needs is the focus of this study. Objectives of the Study The objectives of this study are (i) to identify agricultural information needs of key actors / beneficiaries for CTA products and services; (ii) to identify needs of potential actors / beneficiaries of CTA activities and services in terms of building capacity for information and communication management; (iii) to identify potential partners / beneficiaries for CTA activities and services; (iv) to develop some baseline data to facilitate subsequent monitoring activities. Methodology During the desk review, statistics for the country profile were obtained from various sources including the Ministry of Agriculture and the Central Statistics Office. Also, during the desk review, the list of institutions in the Belize agricultural sector (Annex III.1) was compiled (through consultation with telephone directories, lists available from the Ministry of Agriculture and personal contacts of the consultants) and from this list (using the criteria in Annex III.2), key institutions were identified. Using the questionnaire provided by CTA (Annex V), the consultants interviewed 10 of the key agricultural organizations in Belize. Findings Belize has a subtropical climate with a total land area of 22,960 sq km. Agricultural land covers 10% of the territory, with 79% forest. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries are important to the economy although tourism has grown significantly in recent years. Belize export trade is dominated by sugar (produced in the north), bananas (produced in the south) and citrus (produced in the central region) and is estimated to contribute 35% to the GDP. The fisheries (conch, lobster and shrimp) and forestry sectors are also important to the economy. Belize does not have a policy or strategy for the management of agricultural information and communication, either at the institutional or national level. Many organizations do have the resources (equipment and software) required to make significant improvements in information and communication management (ICM) programmes but lack the human and financial capacity to designate personnel to do the work. Most obtain their information through personal affiliation or professional networks at the national and the international level - through , telephone or personal contact. CTA nor the University of Belize, Agricultural Department Library (the only significant agricultural library in Belize) were quoted as a source of information. Some organizations reported that there was little demand for information from staff. vii

12 Information needs for day-to-day programme implementation included livestock husbandry, fisheries and livestock management, wildlife management, crop production, fruit-fly control, equipment sourcing, credit provision, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), quarantine provision and post-harvest handling. Information highlighted as difficult to obtain was that required for the organization to move to the next level of efficiency (such as case studies in community approaches to programme implementation, socioeconomic analysis, marketing information, agro-processing for value-adding ). Institutions mainly required access to abstracts/executive summaries with the option of accessing full-documents in areas that were of particular interest. Capacity building would be then required in translating and combining the information with local knowledge and experience into fact-sheets, videos, newsletters, etc. suitable for use by primary producers. Conclusions The majority of potential information and management problems identified by CTA as likely to occur in ACP countries were found to be vital issues for Belize. Additionally, it was found that the limited demand for information from technicians and the lack of personnel dedicated to information management were key concerns that needed attention. Capacity building needs identified for Belize included: (i) to develop a greater appreciation of the value of and uses for information (this is expected, in turn, to lead to a demand from agricultural technicians and managers for the development of information management and production systems); (ii) to develop a national information management and distribution strategy; (iii) to centrally coordinate, to collect, manage and disseminate Belize s agricultural data and information; (iv) to more effectively use, interpret and analyse information (to increase the demand for timely and relevant information); and (v) to provide a source of agricultural abstracts and scientific papers. Recommendations Of priority is the need to establish a national policy for information and communication management and to establish a programme to improve the capacity of technicians to value and use information. In addition to addressing the information management capacity building needs of individual institutions, a complementary option would be to establish a national agricultural information unit to support the agricultural sector. The library facilities at Central Farm (Department of Agriculture, University of Belize) - currently the most significant collection of agricultural texts in the country could be enhanced to become such a national unit. Three institutions are recommended as potential partners for CTA. They are: (i) the Department of Agriculture (University of Belize); (ii) the Belize Enterprise for Sustainable Technology; and (iii) the Citrus Growers Association / Citrus Research & Education Institute. All three organizations recommended, could form a Belize agricultural information network to partner with CTA; as opposed to selecting just one organization. This would compliment the idea of developing a national central unit, with each of the three institutions acting as an information management node to serve the agricultural community (the beneficiaries) of the geographic area and the sector that is their mandate. viii

13 1. Introduction 1. CTA works primarily through intermediary organisations and partners (nongovernmental organisations, farmers organisations, regional organisations) to promote agriculture and rural development. CTA was established in 1983 under the Lomé Convention between the ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) Group of States and the European Union Member States. Since 2000, it has operated within the framework of the ACP-EC Cotonou Agreement. 2. Through partnerships, CTA hopes to increase the number of ACP organisations capable of generating and managing information and developing their own information and communication management strategies. The identification of appropriate partners and beneficiary needs is of primordial importance and a focus of this study. Various national and regional partners with whom CTA has had a long-standing relationship have requested the current study which would serve to update the earlier studies done and allow them to provide more targeted assistance to their beneficiaries. 3. The objectives of this study are as follows: to identify agricultural information needs of key actors / beneficiaries for CTA products and services; to identify needs of potential actors / beneficiaries of CTA activities and services in terms of building capacity for information and communication management; to identify potential partners / beneficiaries for CTA activities and services; to develop some baseline data to facilitate subsequent monitoring activities. 4. The study aims to assist the three operational departments of the CTA as well as its local representatives to improve and better target interventions and activities aimed at potential partners and beneficiaries (including women, youth, private sector and civil society organisations); to have a more informed picture of their needs and thus aid in the development of a strategy and framework for action. The study also highlights where there are specific needs for CTA s products and services, knowledge that will enable more effective delivery. 5. Using the questionnaire provided by CTA (Annex V), the consultants interviewed 10 of the key agricultural organizations in Belize. The results of the discussions held during the interviews are analysed in the following pages. 6. This report begins with a profile of Belize and the agriculture, forestry and fishery sectors. This is followed by an analysis of the information needs reported by the ten key agricultural institutions interviewed and a discussion of what they stated to be their capacity building needs to more effectively collate, manage and disseminate agricultural information that will meet daily requirements for programme implementation. 1

14 7. In the Conclusions section, a discussion is held on the extent of key problems (identified by CTA as likely to occur) found to be present in Belize in addition to others not mentioned by CTA. In the section on Recommendations, proposals are made for developing institutional and sectoral capacity to meet the country s agricultural information needs. 8. The Annexes provide further detailed statistics for the agricultural (including the fisheries and forestry) sector, as well as a profile of the socioeconomic, media and telecommunication situation in the country. A profile of all organizations that serve the agricultural sector in Belize (including contact information) is also provided with further details on the selected key agricultural institutions with whom interviews were conducted. 9. Further background to the study can be found in the terms of reference (Annex I). 2

15 2. COUNTRY PROFILE 2.1. Country Overview 10. Belize is located on the Central American mainland and is bounded to the north by Mexico, to the west and south by Guatemala and to the east by the Caribbean Sea (Annex II, Fig. II.1). The total land area is 22,960 sq km (8,867 square miles) with 95% located on the mainland and 5% distributed over more than 1,060 islands. It has a subtropical climate with average temperatures between 23º and 30º centigrade. A coastal plain runs along the eastern border between the Caribbean Sea and the hilly terrain located to the west of Belize. The Maya Mountains run north to south through the central western part of Belize with more mountainous areas located in the south. 11. Although irrigated agricultural production is increasing, the considerable difference in rainfall from north to south has dictated the location of key agricultural commodity production. In the drier north, sugar cane dominates with citrus located more south and central either side of the Maya Mountains in Cayo, Stann Creek and northern Toledo districts. In the wetter south, banana and rice are produced. The most recent land use analysis (1989/92) indicated that agricultural land occupied 10% of land cover and forest and other woodlands accounted for 79%. The remaining 11% was classified as range land, unproductive land or situated in urban areas (Annex II, Table II.1.2.1). 12. The population in 2000 was 240,204 with roughly 11 persons per square kilometer. Belize is an ethnically diverse country comprised of 53.2% Mestizo, 25% Creole, 10.1% Maya, 6.9% Garifuna, and 4% other (including East Indian, Asian, White and other groups) in 2000 (Annex II, Table II.2.1.1). The population is also very young with 41% reported to be under the age of fourteen in 2000 (Table II.2.1.2). Mestizos comprised the largest ethnic group in the districts of Corozal (76%), Orange Walk (77%) and Cayo (63.7%) and were only slightly less (30.2% vs. 31%) than the Garifuna population in Stann Creek. In the Belize District, Creoles comprised the largest ethnic group (59%) and in the southernmost district of Toledo, the Maya (65.4%) outnumber all other ethnic groups (Annex II, Table II.2.1.1). 13. The working population in Belize was estimated to be 142,536 persons in 2000 and was divided equally between men and women (Annex II, Table II.1.1.1). Of this, approximately 21,296 persons were involved in agriculture, forestry and fishery related occupations with 90% of the workforce being male. Outside of the general non-export commodities classification, the sugar sector had the highest number of working persons with 5,456. This was followed by the banana sector (2,126) and the citrus sector (1,964). Fishing and associated processing accounted for 1,878 working persons and forestry employed 937 persons in Men comprise the bulk of workers in each productive sector from 78% in bananas to 98% in sugar. However, of the 1,518 workers involved in the manufacture of food products, 36% were women. 3

16 14. Poverty remains a challenge in Belize. According to the 2002 Poverty Assessment, 33% of the population is below the poverty line and at risk of being food insecure. Furthermore, almost 11% of the population is indigent, or unable to meet the food requirements for healthy existence. In rural areas the level of indigent persons climbs to 17.4% nationally. By district, Toledo is the poorest with 79% of persons reported to be poor and 56% indigent. The Belize District was the least poor overall. Agriculturists are one of the poorest groups by occupation, with non-export commodity (NEC) producers and citrus growers reported to be most poor. The Maya have the highest levels of poor (77%) and indigent (54.8%). Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna and other groups had poverty levels at or below 30% and levels of indigence just below the national average of 11% in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry 15. Belize s economy is generally characterized as a small open economy, heavily dependent on agriculture (including forestry and aquaculture) for its foreign exchange earnings and employment. Agriculture continues to form the foundation of the productive sector and the rural economy and contributed 14% to the GDP in 2003 (Annex II, Table II.1.4.1). The MAF estimates that with the inclusion of secondary and tertiary industries such as agro-processing and retail trade, the contribution of agriculture and its related activities to GDP is upwards of 35% Belize export trade is dominated by agricultural commodities, particularly the traditional export products, sugar, bananas, citrus and in recent years, marine products. In 2002, agricultural exports accounted for 68.2% of exports. Traditional crops represented 84.5% of total agricultural exports while non-traditional exports (papayas, peanuts, black eye peas, cocoa beans, honey, and pepper products) accounted for 15.5% of total agricultural exports. In 2002, marine products represented 21.0% of total domestic exports, more than doubling since Belize benefits from a number of unilateral trade preferences granted under the African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries and the European Union (ACP-EU) Agreement; the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI); the Canadian Programs for Commonwealth Caribbean Trade, Investment, and Industrial Cooperation (CARIBCAN); and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). In addition, Belize's exports are granted preferential access to the EU market under the Cotonou Partnership Agreement signed between the ACP and the EU in Belize is also a beneficiary of numerous bilateral arrangements as a result of its membership of CARICOM (Annex II, Box II and Table II.1.7.1). 1 For additional information on poverty in Belize and the methodology see: NHDAC (2004) Belize 2002 Poverty Assessment Report. National Human Development Advisory Committee. Government of Belize. Belize. 2 Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Cooperatives (2003) National Food and Agriculture Policy. P WTO Trade Policy Review (2004). Report by the Government. WT/TPR/G/134. P. 8. 4

17 18. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is the primary Government agency responsible for agricultural and fishery policy development, regulation and support. The key export commodities are supported and represented by a series of producer associations and research related organizations. The Belize Cane Farmers Association and the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute and the Belize Sugar Industries (the sugar processors) are responsible for sugar. The Citrus Growers Association, Citrus Growers and Workers Credit Union, Citrus Research and Education Institute, and Citrus Products of Belize Limited (the citrus processors) provide support to the citrus industry. The banana industry is represented by the Banana Growers Association (supervises the exportation of bananas through Fyffe and provide growers with technical support). The fishery sub-sector is represented by the Belize Fisherman Cooperative Association, associated Cooperatives and the Coastal Zone Management Authority (CZMA). The Shrimp Growers Association represents the shrimp aquaculture sub-sector. Commodity groups and associations most commonly represent smaller industries such as vegetable production, livestock and agroforestry. A number of organizations represent the interests of the forestry sector with the Forestry Department (of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources) being responsible for overall policy development, implementation and regulation. Other (mainly environmental) groups (such as PACT (Protected Areas Conservation Trust), Program for Belize and Belize Audubon Society) support programmes for protection and sustainable management of the forest resources Agriculture 19. The most recent population census estimated the number of persons working in agriculture to be 21,296 in 2000, an increase from 17,189 reported in 1991.Although 14 different farming systems have been defined for Belize (Annex II, Table II.1.3.2), four characterizations are being increasingly used to summarize Belize agriculture. These include: traditional or milpa farming systems; small commercial farms for domestic markets; small commercial farms for export; and large commercial farms and estates for domestic and export production. Most small farmers in Belize practice subsistence farming and often seek outside employment or other income-generating activities to supplement their farm income. Agricultural marketing systems in Belize are diverse and include domestic public and open-air markets, tourism related markets, supermarkets and grocery stores, agro-processing industries and the export market. 20. Sugar, citrus and bananas dominate Belize agricultural production and export with total sales of BZ$68.6 ( 27.4), BZ$81.2 ( 31.4) and BZ$33.5 ( 12.9) million respectively in Between 1990 and 2002 the value of sugar exports declined 25% while the value for citrus and bananas increased 83.5% and 107% respectively. Nontraditional exports were valued at BZ$20.5 ( 7.9) million in 2002 with significant gains of 373% since the 1990 export value of BZ$4.34 ( 1.7) million (Annex II, Table II.1.6.1) Fisheries 21. Fishery production is for both domestic consumption and for frozen export and contributed an estimated 5% to GDP in 2003 (Annex II, Table II.1.4.1). The 2000 census reported 1,878 persons involved in fishing and related processing, up from 1,103 reported 5

18 in 1991 when the category did not specifically include processing.. Fishery exports (including lobster, conch and shrimp) contribute significantly to Belize s foreign exchange earnings. In 2003, lobster and shrimp exports accounted for BZ$13.5 ( 5.3) and BZ$92.8 ( 36.5) million in sales respectively with shrimp exports increasing almost BZ$40 ( 15.7) million from 2002 levels (Annex II, Table II.1.6.2). During the period between 1992 and 2003, the number of shrimp farms increased from 3 to 13 with an associated expansion in acreage from 533 acres to 6,788 acres (Annex II, Table II.1.2.3). Lobster and conch dominate the marine fishery with just less than 250 tonnes produced in Fish filet production for the domestic market ranged between 18 tonnes and 50 tonnes per year during the 1997 to 2003 period with an average of 25.7 tonnes per year (Annex II, Table II.1.5.4) Forestry 22. Total forested area in Belize is 4,250,365 acres and accounts for 79% of the land. Broadleaf forest covers 3,503,704 acres. Timber production in Belize has been declining steadily in recent years. From 1997 to 2000, total timber production fell from 2.1 million cubic feet to 1.2 million cubic feet. Pine production constitutes the bulk of output. In 2000, 710,243 cubic feet of pine were harvested and accounted for 57% of total output (up from 43% in 1997). In 2000, Yemeri, Santa Maria and Mahogany were the next most harvested with output of 109,737, 86,843 and 81,289 cubic feet respectively. Santa Maria and Mahogany experienced the largest annual declines over the 1997 to 2000 period (Annex II, Table II.1.5.6). 2.3 Information and Communication Management Capacity 23. Interviews with senior managers of 10 key agricultural organizations (summaries of the results of which are included in Annex III.2) provided an account of the capacity in Belize for information and communication management. The information presented in the following sections of this report was obtained from the interviews held. 24. There is no policy or strategy in Belize for the management of agricultural information and communication, either at the national or the institutional level. Many organizations do have the resources (equipment and software) required to make significant improvements in their current information and communication management programmes but lack the human and financial resources required to designate personnel to do the work. Additionally, there is no general demand for information from technicians (enhanced skills are needed to search for and analyze information) and so no urgency exists for developing information and communication management systems. Despite this limitation, there are some significant efforts to manage information, exchange it between technicians and communicate it to agricultural producers Agricultural Libraries 25. There is one significant agricultural library in Belize (at the Department of Agriculture, University of Belize) but other organizations such as Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), the Citrus Research & Education Institute (CREI) and Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) have established small-scale libraries to meet their own needs. 6

19 The Department of Agriculture library has a wide range of texts on general agriculture but is lacking more up to date books and, due to limited funding, subscriptions for many journals have not been renewed. Reports and scientific papers, when produced in Belize, are not systematically collected or stored and are thus difficult to locate when required for reference. This library primarily serves the needs of the agricultural students studying for the Associated Degree of the University Publishing Capacity 26. The Department of Agriculture of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has recently established its own information unit to serve the Belize agriculture sector. One person is seventy percent employed in this unit; currently compiling technical information, project reports, bulletins, newsletters, etc. that have been produced over the years by the Ministry and other institutions. There is plan to produce a regular newsletter with farmers as the target audience. 27. A number of agricultural institutions in Belize publish their own newsletters to highlight issues that are current in the industry they serve. The CREI, for example, produces a monthly industry bulletin (CitroScope) and a quarterly news magazine (CitriNews). CREI has experienced difficulties, due to limited staff, in producing the publications as regularly as intended. Newsletter and bulletin production for most organizations in Belize is fairly sporadic being completed, in the majority of cases when staff (with other specific assigned duties) have the time Data Collection and Management 28. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has a Statistical Unit which collects and disseminates agricultural statistics (on production, acreage, crops produced, crops exported, etc.) for the entire sector and for the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Much of this data is reproduced in Annex II. The unit focuses on compiling data for Belize s nontraditional crops, leaving the collection of data for the traditionals (citrus, sugar and banana) to the organizations that represent those industries. The Fisheries Department has a designated set of personnel to collect fisheries data mainly in order to ensure effective assessment of fish resources in order to make effective policing and policy decisions. The Land Information Centre (of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) has become specialized in the collection and mapping of land use data (using satellite imagery, for example) and the development of geographic information systems (GIS). 29. The Citrus Growers Association holds production and acreage data on all the citrus growers in Belize and its research unit, CREI supplements this information with data (e.g. soil and leaf analysis results) collected from the field. Efforts are underway to expand the range of data collected to include records of extension visits and incidence of disease and production problems. The analysis of this data will allow for the development and the implementation of more effective extension and education strategies. At this time, no specific person is allocated to this work. 7

20 2.3.4 Extension Services 30. The Ministry of Agriculture has its own extension service with staff stationed in each of the (six) district offices providing advice and disseminating information to local producers of crops other than the traditional crops (citrus, sugar and banana). Producers of each of the traditional crops have established Associations with assigned responsibility for providing extension and other services to its members. The Banana Growers Association, for example, has seven field staff, each specialising in providing advice and information to their grower members on nutrition, quality and black sigatoka and nematode control. The emerging papaya and shrimp production industries are establishing organizations to provide similar services. The Extension service of the CREI holds monthly Citrus Group meetings throughout the citrus growing areas of the country to provide information, industry up-dates and participatory workshops with small-scale growers. The extension officers of the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) work with growers to promote the production of quality cane Communication Capacity 31. Agricultural information is disseminated to growers through the channels described above (publications, workshops and word-of-mouth (extension visits)) but among agricultural technicians information is normally exchanged by (through professional networks and through personal affiliation) and through occasional press releases. However, in some cases communication and Internet searches are limited due to inadequate access to computers and the high cost of Internet access in Belize. 32. Almost all agricultural institutions in Belize have some access to the Internet where searches for agricultural information are conducted on a general or specific basis, usually from regularly visited websites and some technicians use as a regular form of communication. 33. Occasional appearances on morning phone-in radio shows (primarily Love FM or Krem FM, the two main stations with national coverage) by staff of agricultural institutions are used to convey specific or emerging issues of national interest; but the potential of using this medium for communication within the agriculture sector has not been adequately explored. Only one radio station (Power Mix) is known to conduct a regular (weekly) agricultural show ( Agricultural Vibes ) targeted at the small-scale producer (in Dangriga and surrounding areas). This show provides down-to-earth advice on crop production. There is a need to increase the available personnel and skills required to use media for the dissemination of agricultural information. There is limited local TV coverage (most stations originate from the US) and locally produced programmes rarely deal with agricultural issues. 2.4 Agricultural Information Services Where People Go for Information 34. Most institutions in Belize obtain their information through personal affiliation or professional networks; that is through contacts with organizations with which they are also collaborating (Table 2.3). Many of these institutional contacts are key players in the 8

21 agricultural sector, local ones such as BAHA, regional institutions (such as CARDI) and international organizations (such as IICA and OIRSA). In searching for information on a specific agricultural topic for programme implementation, the most common strategy employed is to identify specific persons or institutions that are believed to have expertise or that are able to answer a specific question or provide the required information. These contacts are pursued through , telephone and complemented with Internet searches where appropriate. In a few instances, specific information is also obtained from specialist journals obtained through subscription or shared through professional affiliation. 35. While the Internet was not frequently highlighted as a source of information, it was apparent during interviews that the Internet is a regular part of day to day operations. Most referred to the sources of information, in terms of organizations, and these sources were accessed through the Internet, or phone, whichever was most appropriate or convenient. Implied in the interviews was the limited time for Internet access, primarily because of cost and/or inadequate hardware. 36. CTA was not quoted as a significant source of information and some interviewed (those in forestry and fisheries) said that they had not heard of CTA. Those that did mention CTA as a source of information referred to ordering CTA s books, on specific topics of interest and relevance to their work programme, and receiving other publications when they turn-up. 37. None of the organizations interviewed referred to the University of Belize, Agricultural Department library (the only agricultural library in Belize) as a source of information but several organizations mentioned that there was little demand for information from staff and the interview discussions often focused on the fact that there is a need to develop technicians skills in accessing and using agricultural information. 38. In searching for information, therefore, there is limited use of the agricultural information collections already available in country. Additionally, there is no systematic approach to information acquisition and dissemination through libraries or organizations specifically designed to provide information services. 9

22 Table 2.3. Main sources of information for institutions interviewed INSTITUTION SOURCES OF INFORMATION Umbrella/Policy Organizations 1. Agriculture Dept (Min of Ag and Fish) IICA, OIRSA, FAO CARDI, CTA, Internet Fisheries Dept (Min of Ag and Fish) 3. Forestry Dept (Min of Nat. Res. and Environ.) Crop Specific / Research Organizations 4. Central Farm Research Station 5. Citrus Growers Association / Citrus Research & Education Institute 6. Banana Growers Association 7. National Fishermen Producers Co-operative Society Limited Educational Institution 8. Department of Agriculture (University of Belize) NGO/Finance/Community Development 9. Belize Enterprise for Sustainable Development (BEST) International Organization 10. International Regional Organization for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA) CSO, Customs Dept, BAHA, independent research, Regional Counterparts CATIE, FAO, UnaSilva World Resource Inst, IUCN, GEF, MBC, Nature Conservancy GoB, International contacts, 80% Internet Internet, University of Florida, personal contacts, CTA, IICA, OIRSA, BAHA, Journals (but there is limited demand for information from staff) European Union, personal affiliation Regional conferences and meetings, Univ of Miami, Univ of Belize (future), Min of Fisheries, Fisheries Advisory Board, other Foreign Universities, NGOs (e.g. Smithsonian) FAO, CARDI, CATIE, IICA, CGA, BSI, HOARD s Dairymen, CTA, Min of Agric. NGO s (especially credit ones), NDFB, Help for Progress, Internet, Min of Ag, CARDI. IPPC, FAO, NAPPO, MAF. 1 Comment from interviewee: There isn t any demand for information from staff. Thus, generally staff do not source information, those that do (mainly management) use the sources mentioned. 10

23 3. NEEDS ANALYSIS 39. Table 3.0 provides a synthesis of the data obtained during the interviews with ten of the key agricultural institutions in Belize. It highlights what was reported to be the information: (i) needed for programme implementation; (ii) that was difficult to obtain; (iii) needed for future programmes; and (iv) format required. Table 3.0 also highlights the capacity building required to improve each institution s ability to manage information and thus achieve more effective programme implementation. 3.1 Information Needs 40. The institutions selected for interview, represented a broad cross-section of the agricultural sector. The information needs for each institution were also diverse; reflecting the wide range of programmes undertaken in Belize. 41. Table 3.0 identifies the information needed for programme implementation by each institution interviewed. This information (such as livestock husbandry, fisheries ecosystem management, wildlife management, crop production, fruit-fly control, equipment sourcing, credit provision, IPM, quarantine protocols, post-harvest handling) is obtained through the channels highlighted in section Agricultural Information Services. 42. Of note, is that the information highlighted by institutions as difficult to obtain is also that information required for the organization to move to the next level of efficiency or impact; whether to implement a new programme that would improve the institution s sustainability, to develop more effective policies or to make the management of the institution more efficient and effective. The link between these needs and the potential impact on improved capacity for programme implementation are discussed below. 43. The need for more information on agro-processing and value-adding was highlighted as being required by the Agriculture Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Belize is mainly a primary agricultural producer and there is a potential for increasing the socio-economic status of many small-scale producers with the development of small-scale agro-manufacturing facilities. 44. The Forestry and Fisheries Departments of the Government required more information on community approaches to project implementation. The Forestry Department had noted that greater success had been achieved (in protecting forest reserves) when conservation projects were implemented in partnership with the local community but that there was a need for greater information and documented experiences of successful case-studies of similar approaches elsewhere. The lack of knowledge on how to collect and interpret socioeconomic data was brought-up several times in interviews with the Fisheries Department as being a limiting factor. While the collection and analysis of scientific data was well established, staff needed a better understanding 11

24 (through information and training) of the socioeconomics of fishing ground protection in order for Belize to effectively protect its fish resources. Additionally, the National Fishermen Producers Cooperative Society, reported that a socioeconomic pilot study is being implemented on one of the atolls (Glover s Reef) off the coast of Belize; but there was a need for further information and experiences from elsewhere to support these efforts. 45. The Citrus Research & Education Institute also had a desire to increase its emphasis on community approaches to implementing extension programmes. While they have made significant strides in this area in recent years, there was a need for more information in the form of the exchange of experiences. 12

25 Table 3.0. Needs identified by institutions in terms of information, and capacity building required to better manage information. Q = Questionnaire question No. INFORMATION NEEDS For programme Implementation (Q4, 7, 12) Difficult to obtain (Q17) For future programmes (Q19, 20) Format required CAPACITY BUILDING NEEDS (Q10, 11, 19, 20) 1. Agriculture Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries) Limited demand for information from staff Livestock (nutrition, genetic improvement, husbandry practices) Crop diversification (vegetables, seed production, potatoes) Extension Methods Irrigation Agro-processing (value adding, commercialization) Cashew production and processing (small-scale) Soya bean production Policy development advice Marketing intelligence Information Training for staff in use of information (to create a demand / appreciation of value for information) Production of a compendium of documents available in Belize. Full-time staff for Information Unit Central depository for publication / distribution of publications Improved linkages with other national and regional institutions Updating of Tech. packs (to keep technicians and farmers abreast of current state-of-the-art) National strategy/ policy for ICT Development of library facilities at Central Farm Publication production training Mechanisms needed for improved transfer of information between Belmopan and the District offices National library system Management of library and information units Production of graphics and publications Skill-building in agriculture economic analysis 2. Fisheries Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries) Fisheries resource assessment and management Fisheries resource development Capture fisheries Water/fisheries ecosystem management Aquaculture Inland fisheries Data collection and analysis Socioeconomics of fisheries management Socioeconomic information Cage culture Mari culture Deep sea fishing Value adding New commodities (molluscs, crabs, invertebrates) Enhance data collection systems Training in collection and use of socioeconomic data Specific unit for information required to improve quality of information generated Personnel with higher level of technical training Industry assessment/analysis required Improved integration with the private sector 13

26 Table 3.0 continued. Needs identified by institutions in terms of information, and capacity building required to better manage information. INFORMATION NEEDS For programme Implementation (Q4, 7, 12) Difficult to obtain (Q17) For future programmes (Q19, 20) Format required CAPACITY BUILDING NEEDS (Q10, 11, 19, 20) 3. Forestry Department (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) Forest reserve planning and management National park management Wildlife management Law enforcement Biodiversity management Environmental convention implementation Forest revenue generation Forest exploitation control Forest health Equipment sourcing Advice on Clearing House Mechanism Environmental monitoring Protected area management Management of information Community forestry Information management GIS, mapping Combination of formats required Websites Abstracts - followed-up with access to full papers where required Improved forest revenue and exploitation control Training in cataloguing and managing of documents Improve collaboration with MBC Training in Community Forestry Programmes Information management GIS, cartography 4. Central Farm Research Station (Ministry of Agriculture) Livestock husbandry and breeding Crop production and nutrition (vegetables and rice) Agricultural engineering Irrigation Drainage Research methodology Complete refereed papers on research & development issues Information which includes the research methodology employed Relevant research from area of similar climate to Belize Information management Effective dissemination methods to enhance usage Abstracts and complete research papers to be reformatted into factsheets by information unit Strategic plan for the organization Information management training 14